E Ciggarette trader wary of possible regulations

An e-ciggarette retailer in Leek said he hopes the Government will regulate the quit smoking aids – but hopes the rules are not too strict.

Last week, public health specialists in the UK urged the World Health Organisation (WHO) not to "control and suppress" e-cigarettes as it prepares to publish global guidelines on the devices, which deliver nicotine in a vapour.

A letter signed by more than 50 researchers and specialists said e-cigarettes have the potential to save millions of lives.

The letter, which was organised in the run-up to significant international negotiations on tobacco policy this year, urged WHO not to impose regulations on the device in the same way it does on conventional cigarettes.

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Darron Fleming, pictured, who runs EcigSwag in Sheepmarket, Leek, told the Post & Times: "I am very wary of, but would welcome, sensible, reasonable and informed regulation which hopefully would achieve more consumer and regulatory confidence in the product and its benefits to the health of the nation. At the moment I have self-regulations such as I only sell liquids that are produced, tested and certified in the UK. They are produced using the highest quality ingredients."

Darron, who opened up EcigSwag six months ago after selling the products on Leek Market for 12 months previously, added: "I do fear that it could become over regulated, such as prescription only, as that will just put money into the pockets of the large pharmaceutical companies and potentially create a whole new unregulated black market. I also fear that it would put me out of business

"I am also wary that there could be taxation on e-cigarettes, similar to cigarettes.

"However, I do understand that some people still see this as a new product although I have been using them for five-and-a-half years.

"The usage across the country has just ballooned over the past year so there is going to be concern."

Darron also has a strict rule that only over 18s can purchase from his shop.

He said: "Business is going well. Generation wise, my customers are across the board and there is no real divide between class or gender either.

"From the feedback I have had, there is a good 90 per cent success rate for e-cigarettes in giving up smoking."

Darron will be hosting a Vape Night at The Fountain Inn, Fountain Street, Leek, on Thursday, June 12. The evening, which will run from 7pm until 10.30pm, will give people the chance to gain advice from Darron.